Each year, the Young Professionals Workshop assembles international candidates at the beginning of their careers in electrotechnical standardization who have been chosen by IEC National Committees around the world. The program supports the increased involvement of young professionals in international electrotechnical standards and conformity assessment work, bolstering the future of technology transfer and long-term national involvement in the international standardization arena.

The USNC will select up to three young professionals to represent the United States at the 2014 workshop. These individuals will take part in a dedicated workshop covering information about the IEC and relevant strategies for international standardization and conformity assessment work; the workshop will be held on November 10–14, 2014, in Tokyo in conjunction with the 78th IEC General Meeting (GM). Participants will also be given the opportunity to visit local industry, receive guidance from a mentor, and observe a meeting of the IEC Standardization Management Board (SMB) and Conformity Assessment Board (CAB). Individuals chosen to take part in the 2014 Young Professionals Workshop will be financially supported for their travel to Tokyo and for up to three nights of accommodations.

Candidates will be judged based on their demonstrated leadership and dedication in connection with standards and conformity assessment activities, as well as their vision of the larger commercial and strategic impact of standards and conformance work, and their accomplishments in their chosen field of activity. Nominated individuals will be assessed by a selection panel made up of USNC officers, standing committee officers, former U.S. Young Professionals Workshop participants, and a pool of USNC Honorary Life Members. All individuals chosen to take part in the 2014 Young Professionals Workshop will be notified in July 2014.

Candidates may be nominated by any interested stakeholder who is not a member of the program’s selection panel; letters of support from members of the standardization community testifying to the candidate’s appropriateness for the workshop and significant achievements to date are highly encouraged. Prospective candidates nominating themselves must provide at least one letter of professional recommendation and written assurance that their employers have agreed to allow them to attend the 2014 IEC GM if selected.